“I loved this book, a regency mystery featuring Blackstone, one of the best of the
Bow Street Runners. Falkirk writes with sophisticated style and wit, capturing the
tone of the time, his descriptions lavish but not overextended. Halfway through the
book, I realized (with great glee) that Blackstone is a Regency Sam Spade; hot gin
and hot women are his sustenance when not chasing down the bad guys with a vengeance
and swagger. Twisting arms to get cooperation, seduction for information, always
well-armed and ready to fight his way out of a fix.”

“There are a few misdirects along the way and more than enough action. Blackstone
is an interesting character. He presents himself as being confident and self-assured
but he is constantly second guessing himself. He’ll chastise himself for bragging
about his exploits and he’ll dwell on a negative comment from others. Too many of
the modern day protagonists have no real flaws or at least any concern about their
own actions. Blackstone is the exception. I had a great time with this one.”

“Evans uses evolutionary psychology and biology, anthropology, neuroscience, archaeology,
and paleontology to the uncover the myths/truths about intelligence amid external
racial makeup and class structures. Among the truths are the efficacy of separated
identical twin studies to analyze in-utero development, average household income,
heritability, and environmental factors on intelligence; Howard Gardner's theory
of 8 intelligences; meaningful symbolic cave art present in different parts of the
globe; and corrected, undiluted timelines for civilization vs 'barbarism,' while
some of the myths are measurable IQ tests as a restrictsome ruse, the fallacy of
brain mass and weight, Cyril Burt and innate intelligence testing, and discriminating
assumptions about remote/backwoods/peasant populations.”

“I discovered many useful ideas, especially when it comes to setting up and developing
a collaboration with 'the author', the planning and various techniques of approaching
hectic and/or difficult personalities. A book recommended to anyone considering ghostwriting
as part of their writing career.”

“This riveting read is written in a factual and sometimes humorous way while divulging
as much information as the writers are allowed to considering the ties to their former
government employer… Fascinating.”

“A light mystery where the bad guy is all bad and the private detective hero is a
little reluctant, in over his head, and propelled by a sense of justice. The details
about LA as it was fifty years ago are fun; Venice before gentrification, Polynesian
bars, and driving around with the old songs.”

“I loved this book. I love this book. I’m going to read it again one day. Why? Because
I forgot some things, because it is history (and I LOVE all things history), and
because it makes for a great conversation starter. Even if people might look at you
a little bit sideways!”

“It was fascinating to see some of the historical figures and situations that inspired
Defoe's tale, looking at the truth behind the legend. This title will appeal to those
who enjoy Defoe's story, but it is also a great resource for historians interested
in 17th century criminality during the age of transportation, as well as those who
wish to learn more about early colonial life in America. Overall, Moll is an insightful
and lovely read.”

“This is a brilliantly written and very easy to read book, with a wonderfully flowing
narrative. It is clear how much historical research Aronson carried out… and his
use of first-hand accounts from the Royal Archives to piece together the story. Definitely
worth reading.”

“I was especially fond of how each family member tried to balance their lives between
the crown and its accompanying regalia and living as a normal person, and stories
about the quirkier, the more outside-the-box family members, like Queen Alexandra,
Prince George (Duke of Kent), and, naturally, Princess Margaret.”

“Anthony Stancomb writes in the vein of "A Year in Provence," but his "Under a Croatian
Sun" is funnier, more diverse, and more insightful. It chronicles the story of the
author and his wife departing England and moving to the island of Vis, Croatia, determined
to assimilate into the culture. Stancomb's ability to delineate the Vis community
and its characters is exceptional. The islanders are a unique and memorable lot!
Laugh-out-loud funny.”

“Under a Croatian Sun is a wonderful memoir of a British man who, along with his
Croatian wife, give up the rat race in England and relocate/retire to Croatia. All
in all, having read many expat memoirs, I find this one to be of a higher standard.
Funny, witty, engaging, and even educational. A sure win!”

“Under a Croatian Sun is a lovely memoir about the author's experience moving with
his wife to the Croatian island of Vis in the Adriatic Sea. Similar in feel to A
Year in Provence and Under the Tuscan Sun, Stancomb's story is full of love for the
island and saturated with lots of humor and good natured tales of culture clash.”

“An impressive followup volume to The Wall. True to the first book, Roman Britain
is expertly portrayed with historical accuracy and detailed descriptions and characterization.
I will await volume 3 eagerly.”

“In Crowns in Conflict: The Triumph and Tragedy of European Monarchy 1910-1918, Theo
Aronson takes a distinct approach to the end of monarchical Europe. For one, he takes
a broader view, looking at roughly a dozen major and minor monarchs who sat on Europe's
thrones in the second decade of the 20th century. The second, and most notable, is
that the book is biographical in nature, not surprising given that Aronson, who died
in 2003, wrote nearly two dozen royal biographies. His method produces a very readable
examination of the topic. I found it an interesting version of an oft-told tale.
Rather than simply being a diplomatic or military history, Crowns in Conflict uniquely
personalizes World War I. It also helps place monarchies in a historic context.”

“[At first I thought] there is nothing new to learn in this book. Boy, was I ever
wrong! There was much more to be learned and it is pretty amazing. The book held
my attention from the beginning to end. Nick Pope along with John Burroughs and Jim
Penniston did an excellent job of presenting this story. Thank you Thistle Publishing,
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.”

“1963 was a very good year. That said, Eve Goldberg can bring it alive for those
of you who cannot remember/have never been exposed to 1963 Southern California. She
has the music, the films, the highways, the cars, the crimes. And a sweet young protagonist,
attempting to keep his Uncle Lou's PI business up and running through an extended
hospitalization. Ryan has worked with his uncle for the five years since high school
graduation, but his heart and mind has been committed to his surfboard. But when
push comes to shove, he knuckles down to protect the client and solve the mystery.
An excellent read.”

“The case of a missing boy leads to stolen photographs, blackmail, and murder--with
tentacles reaching back to the 1950s. Hollywood Hang Ten adeptly places the reader
in time and place. I liked the way Ryan's character is forced into growth by the
circumstances he encounters. It is particularly interesting to see the cultural
differences that have occurred since 1963.”

“A detailed and factual account of a number of key attacks on the German Atlantic
fortifications, following the D-Day invasion. The author clearly understands the
very complex and daunting prospect of attacking German defences-in-depth in the German
held fortified ports along the Atlantic coast. From a military history reference
perspective, the books ticks all the boxes.”

“A good book to read if you're interested in ghost writing. The chapters on what
makes a good ghost, how to become a ghostwriter, getting structure right and most
of all what to do when it all goes wrong are a must-read!”

“The language and prose is so beautiful that it shadows the sense of foreboding that
is present throughout the book and you forget the darkness of the subject of the
story. This makes for a very interesting, thought-provoking read. It reminded me
of ‘The Lord of the Flies’.”

“A gritty and somewhat dark story about Willem, a man who lives in a world limited
by his intellectual capabilities. This book was certainly a sad and hard look into
how society views and treats those who don't "fit" into the parameters of what is
considered normal, and how individuals tend to reveal the worst of humanity when
it benefits them - no matter the harm to someone who can't fully defend themselves.
It left a very melancholy and depressing feeling when I finished it, but had many
insightful truths that are around us every day.”

“There have been plenty of books written by middle-aged folks pulling up roots and
moving to places off the beaten path, but few are as delightful as this. Stancomb
and his wife are up to it all in this often funny and often lyrical account of their
first year on Vis. It made me ready to move there!”

“Susan Ottaway’s biography of Szabo is in many ways, a counter point to Crave Her
Name with Pride. Ottaway was able to interview not only Szabo’s brothers but also
her daughter Tania. What is interesting is looking at what Szabo and her daughter
think about Szabo’s work and the “morality” of a mother doing such duty. Ottaway
also details life after the war and how the family was treated by the makers of the
film. Four stars.”

“In 1935 at the age of only fourteen Violette Bushell left school. In 1944 she was
a beautiful widow and the Mother of a young daughter when she undertook two secret
missions in France as a Special Operations Executive. Shortly after D-Day a few
days into her second mission she was arrested and sent to Ravensbrück Concentration
Camp. She was executed at the beginning of 1945. I give this book five out of five
stars!”

18 Sep 2017: Has David Bullock found the grave of the real Jack the Ripper?

David Bullock, author of the sensational new Jack the Ripper book The Man Who Would
Be Jack, may have found the grave site of the real Ripper. This story has been generating
huge interest, including the following:

Here are a selection of excellent new reviews for recent Thistle titles.

Alamein

“A gripping account of this turning point of the Second World War, Jon Latimer gives
us the experience of the men who fought – British, Australians, New Zealanders, South
Africans, Germans, Italians and others besides. We feel their fear, elation or despair
as they fight it out at close quarters amid a welter of confusion – heat, sand, smoke,
noise, dust, flies and blood. Loved it.”

“Globe is a delightful read from start to finish. From an imagined scene that brings
to life late Tudor London, Arnold takes us into a fascinating history of the London
theatre scene, and Shakespeare's place in it. There is never a dull moment.”

“Full of interesting details, the book does not neglect other playwrights of the
time or Shakespeare's fellows in the Lord Chamberlain's Men. Accessible instead
of ponderous and scholarly, you'll learn so much about how theater worked in Elizabethan
England, information that sheds light on the plays as they were perceived by the
people of the time.”

“Emma's straightforward, non-nonsense, account of her time as a soigneur and of her
role in unveiling the truth about Lance Armstrong and doping in cycling is engaging
and fresh. It's both brutal about Armstrong as a person and as a doper, but his also
places his performance drug abuse in the context of the sport at the time. It's interesting
that Armstrong himself provides the foreword to the book as he doesn't come out of
it well.”

Don’t miss Lavinia Greacen, the author of the fascinating biography Chink, on RTE
Radio this weekend talking about the subject of her book, the extraordinary Eric
Dorman-Smith. The broadcast will be on Saturday, September 9th., RTÉ Radio 1 at 1pm.

“I found the book particularly interesting because here we have for a change the
crime scene in London.The author's writing comes across as honest, his accounts
are gripping and also at times entertaining.”

“Anyone who has more than a cursory knowledge of Shakespeare has heard the rumors
that the glove maker from Stratford-Upon-Avon may not have authored the plays that
bear his name. In this book, Beauclerk takes the side of the Oxfordians who claim
that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true Bard. The author of this book
offers up compelling evidence framed around the political, economical, and even social
realities of the time. I recommend this book to Shakespearean scholars, anglophiles,
and students of British literature.”

“Animal lovers will delight in the antics of these kitties while pondering the ethical
dilemmas that the situation naturally brings up. While I loved each cat's personality
endearing, what I found fascinating was the aspect of "Empty nest syndrome" that
plagued Cooke as the leopards' release date drew nearer.”

“This is the perfect book for people who enjoyed Bill Bryson's stories about traipsing
around England and the landmarks he found in his walks. Ousby brings us an entertaining
history of the tourism industry in England.”

“I thought this book was fantastic. A true insight into a fascinating world that
we know little about. The trials, tribulations and hardships of the legion,and the
reasons why it calls so many. A compelling read.”

“The complete candor and guilelessness of Emma O'Reilly captivated this reader as
I was taken on a fresh and insightful journey into the dark, sordid world of professional
cycling. This is not just a tale about an imperfect man maligned by his own greed
and hubris, but more so a condemning indictment of a once beautiful sport rotten
to the core.”

“The Englishman's England looked at what sites and objects drew the interest of the
eighteenth century tourist. The author looked at travelers’ letters, diaries, journals,
and guide books to see what sites they visited and what they thought about them.
I'd recommend this interesting book.”

Here is a selection of some of the excellent recent reviews for Thistle books:

Blackstone by Richard Falkirk

“Blackstone is elegantly dressed, with a weakness for women and good wine – and he
is a crack shot. He is also ruthless and courageous, but above all things he is a
Bow Street Runner. This tale proved to be a bestseller in America.”

Southern Evening Echo

999 CSI by Larry Henderson & Kris Hollington

“Larry’s groundbreaking work features some of the UK’s most notorious crimes - a
key piece of forensic evidence from one of Larry’s murder cases is displayed at Scotland
Yard’s infamous Crime Museum. At turns breathtaking, fascinating, hilarious and tragic,
999 CSI opens up a truly astonishing world that most people never get to see, a world
filled with cruelty, matched only by the courage of those who work tirelessly for
justice. A truly great book.”

“This is a wonderful book devoted to dragging up every weird and wacky idea in medical
science from times ancient to present. Well written with a pen dipped in sarcasm,
you’ll find yourself laughing and groaning. I thoroughly enjoyed it!”

Ellen Whyte

Raise Your Grade by Dr Denise Gossage

“I would recommended this book to every member of my mommy-brigade. We often struggle
helping our little ones to study and this book offers a brief and helpful framework.”

“The book is a tour de force… a compelling and riveting read, encompassing not only
the content and context of many of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets but also the history
of the Tudors and the politics of that time. Scholarly and well written with a wealth
of supporting evidence.”

“Love the science, love the history. A fun/interesting/trivia filled read. I am
a professional scientist, working in healthcare and I am not at all ashamed to admit
I learned several things from this book which I'd never heard before (like the origin
of the word 'toady' ). Cool stuff.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's basically a collection of cool/interesting/funny
medical anecdotes. Loved the brief stories about medicine throughout history, and
all the weird (and gross) things that have been done throughout time and across many
different cultures. The stories were brief enough to relay information without overloading
you on medical terminology, so even those not necessarily interested in science and
medicine will learn something and have fun with it. It's just an all-around fun book,
that will teach you some new and interesting facts.”

“What one has here then is a one-volume history of Wellington’s generalship which
despite any shortcomings it may have clearly knocks Elizabeth Longford’s ‘Wellington;
Years of the Sword’ into a bicorne hat.”

10 August 2017: More excellent reviews for Theo Aronson’s Crowns in Conflict

“Here, Theo Aronson has assembled the entire cast of embattled monarchs. His is the
story of eight momentous years viewed, as it were, from the monarchical standpoint;
an account of the passing, not only of their particular world, but of the entire
monarchic and dynastic order of the Continent. It describes the brilliant sunset
and the dramatic break-up of the Europe of the Kings.”

“An interesting version of an oft-told tale. Rather than simply being a diplomatic
or military history, Crowns in Conflict uniquely personalizes World War I. It also
helps place monarchies in a historic context.”

“In Crowns in Conflict: The Triumph and Tragedy of European Monarchy 1910-1918, Theo
Aronson takes a distinct approach to the end of monarchical Europe. For one, he takes
a broader view, looking at roughly a dozen major and minor monarchs who sat on Europe’s
thrones in the second decade of the 20th century. The second, and most notable, is
that the book is biographical in nature, not surprising given that Aronson, who died
in 2003, wrote nearly two dozen royal biographies. His method produces a very readable
examination of the topic. Rather than rehash the standard history of how the Central
and Entente Powers careened into war, the book looks at the history of each monarch
and what the kings and queens did through the course of the war.”

“An entertaining and interesting read. Ousby considers the history of tourism through
the growing 18th century desire to visit places of literary connection and natural
beauty, along with the ever-increasing trend of touring country houses. This work
is an intriguing social study and I particularly enjoyed Ousby's inclusion of snippets
from contemporary accounts of some of the places still visited today. I imagine that
this book will appeal both to the seasoned traveller and those interested in 18th
century social history.”

“Edmund Blackstone, Bow Street Runner, manages to assign himself as a consultant
to the New York police but while there he is really after Captain Kidd's lost treasure.
An enjoyable book with a likeable main character, who is 'helped' in his adventure
by an emancipated Fanny Campbell.”

“Raise Your Grade is a very teen-friendly guide to help kids be more detail oriented
in their study habits. The book is easy to follow and the points are well made throughout.
The focus is on understanding how to revise written work to make it better and more
effective. From mnemonics to taking the time to read better, it’s really an essential
guide for ensuring that the work produced by a student is of a higher quality.”

“David Stafford has become the greatest expert on the SOE organization. Stafford
shows a complete mastery of the literature, and incorporates extensive quotations
from many of those actively involved in SOE activities.”

If you missed Zelda's fascinating interview on Talk Radio Europe, you can listen
again here (2/8/17 12:15). Zelda’s new book To Love, Honour & Betray is out now.

2 August 2017: Nice review for Legion of the Lost

“Salazar presents a mix of honor, esprit de corps, and servitude that seems to part
of another century. The mystique of the French Foreign Legion is ripped away. Salazar’s
story is as interesting as it is unexpected.”

“I was so absorbed by this book and found it such an easy read that I knocked it
over in two days. Venables does a magnificent job of hitting the appropriate tone
with a difficult and somewhat unpalatable topic.”

“I absolutely loved this book, it is a fabulous insight into what goes on behind
the scenes of murders and disasters that result in tragic loss of life. I found
it gripping and very interesting. Very well written. A great book.”

“Very interesting. If you ever want to satisfy your macabre curiosity as to how the
police identify victims involved in a disaster without getting too much into the
science, then this is the book for you. It never lets you forget the sensitivity
and the human element of working in a field which deals with tragedy after tragedy.
Richard Venables has a unique perspective to deliver an account of how Disaster Victim
Identification has progressed from the ’80s to now, as he pretty much invented the
process for the UK, and worked on a multitude of national and international disasters.”

Kris Hollington and Mike Pannett have just appeared on ITV1’s Judge Rinder’s Real
Crimes. Their book Crime Squad formed the basis for Episode 8.

13 Jun 2017: Dominic Adler interviewed by The Indie View

Thriller writer Dominic Adler has given an interview to The Indie View, promoting
his latest action-packed novel, The Saint Jude Rules, which is the third book so
far in the bestselling Cal Winter series.

Congratulations to Richard Venables and Kris Hollington, last night their book A
Life in Death won the Non-Fiction book prize at the People’s Book Prize award ceremony,
presented by Frederick Forsyth. Two other agency titles were also shortlisted: Louise
Moir for Irreplaceable (non-fiction), and David McGrath for Rickhaw (fiction).

16 May 2017: 3 People's Book Prize finalists for Thistle Publishing

No publisher will have more finalists at the 2017 People’s Book Prize awards than
the agency’s imprint Thistle Publishing, which is represented in both Fiction (Rickshaw
by David McGrath) and Non-Fiction (A Life in Death by Richard Venables and Kris Hollington,
Irreplaceable by Louise Moir) categories.

Two Thistle titles have been shortlisted for the People’s Book Prize ceremony, which
will take place in May: A Life in Death by Richard Venables and Rickshaw by David
McGrath. Both books were published by Thistle Publishing.